Cheapest vodka doubles in price as Russia tackles heavy drinking

Minimum prices for vodka have been introduced as part of President Medvedev’s campaign to combat alcoholism at a time when Russians traditionally drink heavily.

The price of the cheapest half-litre vodka bottle will nearly double to a minimum of 89 roubles (£1.82). Shops in Moscow carry a wide selection of vodka, with luxury brands priced at more than ten times the new minimum. Elsewhere, the cheapest vodka can be bought for 51 roubles.

The lengthy new year and Orthodox Christmas holidays in Russia, which last from January 1 to 11, are traditionally marked by increased alcohol consumption. The bottles in the form of Russian traditional Matryoshka dolls are part of a museum illustrating the development of the drink since the 15th century.

Successive Soviet and Russian leaders have tried to reduce the country’s drinking habit. In August, Mr Medvedev ordered tough measures to curb alcohol abuse after official figures showed that the average Russian drank 18 litres of pure alcohol each year. Since then the duty on beer has been tripled.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, declared a war on alcohol abuse in 1985, ordering dramatic cuts in the production of wines and spirits and introducing strict controls on public consumption. It led to a surge in illegal production of low-quality, home-brewed drink and damaged Mr Gorbachev’s popularity.

this reminds me. i have 61 bottles of alcohol to unload at my house still

..i used to work at a liquor store

i'll give you my address. send a few over here

rofl
I`m actually in the process of pricing them and selling them. I`m saving up for a CARR!

oh come on, dude. it's my freaking bday!